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April 18, 2018: Czech Ambassador & Slovak Consul General in May

Thanks to everyone who joined us on Monday evening for an informative and dynamic conversation with Head Consul Alfonso Navarro and UCM Associate Professor Robynn Kuhlmann on the Mexican and U.S. electoral systems. Besides enjoying the food, the networking, and the view, attendees said they walked away with deeper understanding and new perspectives – definitely a primary goal for all our programs! We extend our sincere thanks to board member Randy Schultz and the Lathrop Gage law firm for their kind hospitality.

2018 marks the 100th anniversary for a number of important events, including the signing of the Pittsburgh Agreement, which paved the way for the creation of the state of Czechoslovakia. To mark the centennial of this pivotal document, we are excited to welcome to Kansas City in May Ambassador Hynek Kmoníček (Czech Republic) and Consul General Ladislava Begeç (Slovakia). Together with Honorary Consuls Ross Marine and Sharon Valasek and our friends at the World Trade Center, we invite you to join us at Union Station for a diplomat luncheon on Wednesday, May 16, where these special guests will offer reflections on the importance of the Pittsburgh Agreement and share updates on their countries in Europe today as well as the breadth and status of cultural and economic ties between their countries and the United States. Registration is now open for this important celebration; please join us!

The IRC's next Global Experience program will include a world tour of coffee at the Roasterie. If you like coffee, or if you like global supply chains and political economy, you won't want to miss this opportunity for an insider's look at the international story of one of Kansas City's favorite drinks. There's a nominal charge for the tour on Thursday, May 3. Please do register below and bring a friend.

In case you haven't heard yet, the end of April will find the U.S. Department of Commerce's Discover Global Markets conference in Kansas City. This event is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to explore their global prospects. We invite you to look at details below and register if you're interested.

Thanks for all you do to support an international perspective in Kansas City. We're glad to be working with you in this important effort.

WEEKLY WORLD NEWS DIGEST
Each week, the World Affairs Councils of America publishes a digest of news stories covering topics from around the world. This week's edition focuses on the Trump-Abe summit, U.S.-North Korea relations, the Syrian war, Germany as an outlier, and Castro's successor. Read more »

THIS WEEK ON THE WORLD CITIZEN BLOG
This week, the IRC's World Citizen Blog discusses the value of learning new languages, beyond general communication. We welcome blog contributions from IRC members and friends. If you are interested in writing a blog post, please review some frequently asked questions », where you'll also find out how to submit your post.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: IMMIGRANT AND OPPORTUNITY YOUTH VISTA The VISTA will serve the immigrant and opportunity youth populations of the Greater Kansas City Area by reviewing and assessing how the YMCA of GKC currently serves the target populations. The VISTA will also gather and assess data, identify and expand partnerships to engage immigrant communities in the YMCA of GKC, and provide analysis and information useful for grant and other funding applications. As a result of the VISTA's service, resources on breaking the cycle of poverty will be more readily available, and Y associates will have a greater ability to communicate those resources.Click here for more information »

APPLICATIONS OPEN: U.S. YOUTH OBSERVER TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Created to elevate youth voices in the global policy dialogue, the U.S. Youth Observer to the UN is a role appointed annually by the U.S. Department of State and UN Association of the USA. For a one-year term, an American between the ages of 18-25 is selected to engage young people in the U.S. in the work of the United Nations and international issues. As a correspondent between U.S. missions to the UN and American youth, the Youth Observer travels throughout the United States to discover the issues important to young Americans and participates at international organization meetings. The most critical role of the Youth Observer is to engage young Americans in the work of the UN, empowering them to be active participants in dialogue on international issues and to have a global impact. The Youth Observer will travel to high schools and colleges across the nation to build a connection between the UN and young Americans. Apply here »by Sunday, April 29.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: SQCC INTENSIVE SUMMER LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The word Sabla in Omani Arabic dialect refers to places in communities where people gather to receive hospitality. Sabla also serves as a meeting place to discuss important public issues. The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center's Sabla Program is an intensive summer language program designed to benefit current university-level students and recent graduates. The program emphasized the instruction of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The program runs for five weeks, offering highly intensive coursework in Arabic. Scholarships are available. Apply by May 6, 2018. Read more »

AMERICAN-AUSTRALIAN ARTS EXCHANGE: CALL FOR APPLICATIONSThe American Australian Association offers small grants through its Dame Joan Sutherland Fund for aspiring American and Australian artists who show great talent in the fields of theater, fashion, dance, film and television, music, literary arts, visual arts, crafts, and design. Applications due Monday, April 30. Read more »

DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS (DGM): DESIGN + CONSTRUCT CONFERENCEThe U.S. Department of Commerce’s Discover Global Markets (DGM): Design + Construct conference is coming to Kansas City, MO, April 30 – May 2. DGM is the U.S. Department of Commerce flagship event series for U.S. exporters to engage with decision makers or high level executives of companies from overseas countries. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about global construction opportunities, gain market intelligence on licensure and registration requirements, and schedule one-on-one meetings with U.S. Commercial Diplomats, project owners, developers and government officials from key markets, such as Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, Peru, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. In addition, major U.S. architecture, engineering and construction firms (“Primes”) will be on site seeking specialized suppliers of services, materials and equipment. Note that continuing education credits are also available from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). For more information and registration, please visit: www.export.gov/DiscoverGlobalMarkets. For questions, contact Marisa.Ring@trade.gov.

HELP US GET TO KNOW OUR MEMBERSIRC members are remarkable individuals and organizations who bring considerable international experience, connections, and curiosity to our network and offer unique perspectives and contributions – in some cases, for decades! To help members get to know one another and to celebrate our members' many efforts, we've started highlighting individual and organizational members in the IRC newsletter and on the website. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, or if you wish to share your own story, please submit this form ». We look forward to getting to know our IRC members!

UPCOMING IRC EVENTS
Registration OpenGlobal Experience: The Roasterie Coffee World Tour – Thursday, May 3 – 4:45-6 p.m. – The RoasterieGet your hairnets ready! On Thursday, May 3, we will venture where no IRC event has ventured before: from the forests of Brazil to the fields of Ethiopia, join as we learn about the international nature of Kansas City’s favorite drink. Through an exclusive tour of The Roasterie offered to IRC participants, we will learn about the global context of the coffee industry, including its political economy, distribution, & supply chain. Bring your questions and a willingness to sample some of the best coffee around. Tickets $5. Hairnets provided. Click here to reserve your spot »

IRC Member BenefitKNOW NOW: Preventing International Conflict– Tuesday, April 24 – 1-1:30 p.m. – via conference callViolent conflict is a common thread that runs throughout history and across all cultures. It disrupts local, national, and international communities, and results in war, displacement, and death. One strategy to address violent conflict is through a public health approach. The Violence Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model, developed by the International Center for Compassionate Organizations »(ICCO) explains how violence begins, spreads, and infects others like a thought-borne pathogen or virus. Understanding the origins of violence may help prevent it. Join WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana's »Xiao Yin Zhao as she hosts Ari Cowan »and Tony Belak », Director General and Associate Director of ICCO, to discuss how the proliferation of international conflict and violence can be prevented by utilizing the PAR Model. The IRC is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity as a benefit for IRC members. To check your membership status or register for the call, please contact Matthew ».

Registration OpenDiplomat Luncheon: Czech Ambassador and Slovak Consul General Mark the 100th Anniversary of the Pittsburgh Agreement – Wednesday, May 16 – 12-1:45 p.m. – Union StationIn commemoration of the Pittsburgh Agreement of 1918, which declared the intent to create an independent European state to be known as Czechoslovakia, the International Relations Council and the World Trade Center–Kansas City, together with the Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City, invite you to join us in welcoming to Kansas City Ambassador Hynek Kmoníček (Czech Republic) and Consul General Ladislava Begeç (Slovakia). A luncheon with an introduction to the Pittsburgh Agreement’s significance will be held at Union Station on Wednesday, May 16, with registration at 11:30. There, the visiting dignitaries will discuss the valuable role of the modern states of the Czech and Slovak Republics and the important economic, social, and cultural ties between the Czech and Slovak Republics and the U.S., with particular emphasis on the Midwestern Unit ed States. A smaller business round table will follow the lunch program. Read more and register »

Registration OpenThe Opportunities and Challenges of Chinese Investment in the U.S.: A Public Forum – Thursday, May 24 – 11:30-1 p.m. – KC Chamber Board Room, Union Station
Join us to learn about the practical opportunities and challenges of inbound foreign direct investment from China from the perspective of local communities and business partners, and Chinese investors themselves. Panelists will comment on the U.S. business environment and discuss trends in Chinese investment, as well as opportunities foreign investment offers the Greater Kansas City region. This event is open to the public and lunch will be served. Registration link available below. Read more and register »

IRC SPEAKERS BUREAU
An incredible network of experienced professionals, travelers, and internationalists in the Kansas City metro area make up the IRC community. With this in mind, the IRC Speakers Bureau facilitates connections between these experts and local organizations, schools, and businesses who are interested in having them speak or present at their events. Many current IRC members are eligible to join the Speakers Bureau as speakers, and the service is free for IRC member organizations. Click here » to learn more, sign up to be a speaker, or request a speaker for your upcoming event.

IRC PROGRAM SUGGESTION BOX
Have an idea for an IRC topic, program, or speaker? We'd love to hear from you! Please complete this form » as often as ideas come to you, and share it with others who might be interested. We may contact you for more information, and you may see your idea in a future IRC program or publication.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EVENTS IN KANSAS CITYDoes your business or organization have an upcoming event that could be of interest to IRC members? To have your event considered for inclusion in future IRC newsletters, please contact Matthew Hughes ».

Pop Up at the Monument (1 of 2), presented by the Jewish Community CenterThursday, April 19– 1-1:30 p.m. – Jewish Community Campus

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN KANSAS CITYDo you know of a volunteer opportunity that would allow IRC members to work with individuals from a variety of countries and cultures or that focuses on international topics or global issues? To have the opportunity considered for inclusion in the Volunteer Center or future IRC newsletters, please contact Matthew Hughes ».

Please click here » to visit the IRC Volunteer Center for more information on one-time and ongoing opportunities to support the IRC and other international initiatives.

Volunteers Wanted for Comida 2018Each year, the dazzling Comida event showcases a variety of Latin dance, music, and culinary arts as a fundraiser for educational, civic, and business development programs offered by the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Collaborative. Volunteers make the event possible and are needed this year for areas such as setup, registration, liaising with attending restaurants, and cleanup. Comida 2018 will be held the evening of Thursday, April 26, at Union Station; volunteer shifts are available throughout the day. (Registration volunteers will need to attend a training at the Oak Park Mall Microsoft Store on Tuesday, April 17, from 6-7:30 p.m.) Volunteers age 21+ preferred; cocktail attire. Specific responsibilities, requirements, and volunteers opportunities can be viewed here ». Once their shift is finished, volunteers will be invited to attend the event. With any questions or interest from groups, please contact Edgar at edgar@ejpkc.co ».

Volunteers Wanted for Cinco de Mayo FiestaOur Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is the original celebration of its kind in the Westside of KCMO. Growing in popularity, this year's celebration will be filled with attractions for the whole family, great authentic Mexican food, live entertainment to include a Mariachi band and folkloric dancers, local vendors, face painting, a 5K run/walk and kid's run, petting zoo, inflatables, contests and raffles and much more. Please contact Pat Munoz at pmunoz@guadalupecenters.org »to sign up to help!

The American Councils Seeks Host Families for Exchange StudentsThe American Councils » is looking for caring host families for merit-based scholar exchange students for the 2018-19 school year. These students come from the Middle East, Central Asia, S.E. Asia, some African nations, and eastern and southeast Europe. Of all the students who apply for the programs, some 3% are accepted to come to the U.S. Students receive a stipend of $125/month for personal expenses, an d host families are reimbursed up to $300 for school related expenses, including winter clothes. Interested families are invited to contact Don Marsolek, Local Coordinator, American Councils and FPA member at happyforwandering@gmail.­com », or 913-558-5791.

PREP-KC Seeks Volunteers to Mentor Students
For more information, contact PREP-KC ». To register for an opportunity, click here ».

Career Jumping is a fast-paced career exploration experience (set up like speed-dating) where professionals talk with 3-5 students in eight-minute increments to share their career stories. We are seeking professionals from all fields.

Mad City Money is a "game of life" designed to increase students' financial literacy. We are needing volunteers from all backgrounds to staff booths regarding topics including mortgage, transportation, daycare, and others. Directions for each booth will be provided to volunteers upon arrival. MCM is in partnership with the UMKC's Center for Economic Education and United Way of Greater Kansas City.

Career Speakers talk with students about their career pathway and how school is relevant to their future. Volunteers rotate through multiple classrooms for approximately 15 minutes each. PREP-KC is seeking volunteers from Arts, Communications, Health, Human Services, Business, IT, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Trades, and other related fields for all events.

IGNITE are hands-on experiences to expose students to a range of careers through interactive booths. We can help volunteers create an activity. We are seeking volunteers from all backgrounds.

KC Public Library Seeks VolunteersRefugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment is a division of the Kansas City Public Library’s Outreach Department, dedicated to connecting refugee and immigrant patrons and community members to resources for their success. RISE seeks volunteers for the following programs:

English in Action: once a week for two hours, meet with a single mentee to help them improve their English speaking skills as their Conversation Mentor. This program occurs at library locations of the participants’ choice.